West Lothian pupils set drumming world record

Guinness World Record adjudicator Anna Orford presents the certificate. Picture: Ian Georgeson

The pupils from schools across West Lothian played the drums as part of their successful attempt to set the first ever Guinness World Record in the category.

Spectators said there was an “electric atmosphere” at Livingston Football Club’s Tony Macaroni Arena yesterday morning as pupils from 21 schools came together to perform a unique percussion piece to set the new record.

Pupils had been practising hard for the last few months to learn to play the djembe, a type of drum from west Africa.

The project, organised by West Lothian Council’s Arts Services team, was offered free to West Lothian school pupils and is supported by Creative Scotland’s Youth Music Initiative.

Dave King, West Lothian’s executive councillor for culture and leisure, said: “Congratulations to all the pupils from across West Lothian who helped set this new Guinness World Record.

“It took a lot of hard work by the students to learn the piece up to a high standard for public performance, and their dedication and enthusiasm shone through today.

“It’s a fantastic achievement to be part of a successful world record attempt, and I’m sure they will remember this day for the rest of their lives.”

West Lothian pupils during the world record attempt. Picture: Ian Georgeson

Daniel Duggan from Infectious Grooves wrote the original percussion piece played by the youngsters in their record-breaking performance, with his firm also co-ordinating the training workshops for schools.

He said: “This has been a fabulous project right from the start. The teachers have been great as they had to learn all of the different rhythms.”